What Does “For the Sake of the Children” Really Mean?

You often hear people say they’re staying in an unhappy marriage for the sake of the children. But what does that really mean? Is it really best for your kids to stay in an unhappy, toxic, or abusive relationship?

What Does “For the Sake of the Children” Really Mean?

Chris Sain, Jr. said, “Sometimes the best reason to let go of a toxic or abusive relationship is because your child is watching.” There is no truer statement than that.

You’ve probably heard the saying that children are like sponges: they soak up everything around them, learning and remembering things that we often don’t even realize they’ve picked up on. This ability to learn so easily and quickly can be a good thing when they’re learning to read or multiply double digits.

But what if what they’re learning is how to be treated badly? Or how to treat others badly? What if what they’re learning is that yelling, screaming, and tears are a normal part of relationships? What if they learn that punching walls, slamming doors, or calling each other names is how to deal with problems?

What if you’re teaching them that cold silence and sitting at opposite ends of the couch, or not even spending time in the same room together at all, is love?

Two-parent homes may be the ideal for a happy family and thriving children, but is it always best?